Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families:
A short time ago, we received the results from the testing of residents of Ernie Davis Hall and the associated staff who work in that building—conducted in response to detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the building’s wastewater. I am happy to report that there is no evidence in the test results of new, positive cases of COVID-19 among residents and staff associated with Ernie Davis Hall.
As a result, we have informed all Ernie Davis Hall students that they are welcome to exit their precautionary quarantine and resume their daily activities.
Given these results, we have determined that the virus signal detected in wastewater is likely the result of an individual resident(s) previously infected by the SARS-CoV-2, no longer COVID-positive, but who may still be shedding inactive virus. The current research suggests those recovered from COVID-19, while not infectious to others, may continue to shed virus in waste for many days and even weeks.
I am grateful for the expeditious way our community, most especially our Ernie Davis Hall students, responded to this situation. I recognize the anxiety that comes with living in the time of a pandemic and appreciate how our students quickly returned to their residence hall to be tested, self-quarantined at our request and complied with direction provided by public health experts.
It is important to note that we will likely continue to detect traces of COVID-19 in our wastewater, and we will continue to respond based on the best science available and the counsel of our public health team. We will act out of an abundance of caution to always prioritize and safeguard the health and well-being of our campus and the Central New York community.
Have an enjoyable and safe Labor Day Weekend. Be vigilant, wear your mask, and be accountable to each other.
Sincerely,
J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation
Thirteen students from the Bandier Program in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications recently returned from a three-week journey through Latin America, where they explored the region’s dynamic and rapidly evolving music industry. The immersive trip, led by Bandier…
Robert Rubinstein, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and professor of international relations in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, is the recipient of the 2025 Wasserstrom Prize for Graduate Teaching. The prize is awarded annually to a faculty member…
National Ice Cream Day is coming up on Sunday, July 20, and what better way to celebrate than with a brain freeze and a sugar rush? Armed with spoons and an unshakable sense of duty, members of the Syracuse University…
Dear Members of the Orange Community: It is with profound sadness that I write to remember two members of our Syracuse University community, whose lives were cut short last Thursday when they were struck by a vehicle at the intersection…
Haowei Wang, assistant professor of sociology in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, has been named the Yang Ni and Xiaoqing Li Scholar in U.S.-China/Asia Relations for the 2025-26 academic year. Wang’s one-year appointment began on July 1….
If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.
